hard plumbing or flex line?

G

Guppy Breeder

I'm planning out my tank build and was wondering if I should hard pvc it or flex hose?

I know on the return I'm probably going to use flex line as I wanna include a Switching current water director or squid. so should I go flex all the way or just for the drain?
 
I think the only problem you'll encounter with flex, on any aspect, is stretching. I had some problems with that with my chiller hose. I plan on changing my drain to partial flex. Just because I don't feel like changing the dang bulkhead fitting.
 
If there is any length involved I always recommend hard plumbing for the drain. Horizontal runs of flex get sags that create pockets where you get air/water mix turbity in turn creating gurgling sounds. If there is not much horizontal run to your drain it doesn't make much difference.

I also prefer hard pipe on the return but it's more of a visual affect and cost savings issue then a performance one. Some people will tell you the flex will create less back pressure then using elbows, and to some extend it's true. But flex has more internal friction then straight pipe so depending on the number of elbows and straight run lengths involved it can go either way. The end results are usually negligible.

Best of luck on your build
 
I used both. I also have the 3/4" SQUID and having the flex on it makes it very forgiving when I am trying to remove it for maintenance/cleaning (put at least 6" on it, so that it can flex a bit and give you wiggle room to get it off the nipples). For my drain, (I used a Herbie) the primary is hard, with one 90 degree bend. The secondary is hard, until the 90 degree bend, and I used a piece of flex to finish it out that is slightly curved up out of the water, so that I can hear the water falling better. I like the clean look of PVC, but Flex has its uses/places.
 
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